Hydraulic and Seismic Properties of Methane-Bearing Coal
Abstract
In the last 10 years, coalbed methane (CBM) has transformed from being a coal mine hazard to a low-risk source of long term dry natural gas. The benefit of this clean burning natural gas as an energy source in conjunction with vast amounts stored in coal basins has led to the development of an industry that produces CBM. Reduction of carbon emissions to the atmosphere through carbon dioxide injection into coal has added another benefit to the production of CMB, as carbon dioxide may be used to desorb methane from coal seams. In order to successfully produce CBM, more information is needed on the migration of methane through fractures and cleats and on the replacement of methane by carbon dioxide in the coal seam. Laboratory experiments are underway to address these questions. Tests on core samples are being performed under in-situ pressure to gain insights on processes occurring in CBM extraction and carbon dioxide sequestration. A variety of techniques are being used including measuring physical properties, electrical resistivity, and saturation and phase location using x-ray computed tomography. Simultaneously measurements of seismic waves are performed including P- and S-wave velocities as well as amplitudes of body waves as a function of methane and carbon dioxide concentration in coal. The results can be used to design an experiment to monitor time-lapse changes and thus the production of gas from a coal seam during methane production.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2002
- Bibcode:
- 2002AGUFM.H71B0818K
- Keywords:
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- 5102 Acoustic properties;
- 5114 Permeability and porosity;
- 5139 Transport properties;
- 5194 Instruments and techniques